Weight Management Rx Now Approved for Kids

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a weight management medication for children.

This drug is found under the name Saxenda (liraglutide).

Saxenda was initially approved in 2014 as a chronic weight management treatment option for adults with a high body mass index (BMI). Now, this drug, in combination with a lower-calorie diet and exercise, is approved to help manage weight in children 12 years old and older who are obese.

In this case, obesity is defined as:

• A body weight above 60 kg (roughly 132.3 pounds)
• An initial BMI that correlates to 30 kg/m2 for adults by international cutoffs

This active ingredient may look familiar. This is because the active ingredient, liraglutide, is also found under the brand name Victoza.

Victoza is approved alongside diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. It has been on the market since 2010.

Saxenda (liraglutide) is not approved to treat type 2 diabetes and is not to be used with Victoza (liraglutide).

Obesity is a major health concern. An estimated 20 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 19 are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity is linked to multiple health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

This drug is available as an injection that is to be administered under the fatty layer of the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. It is to be given once a day, with or without meals.

There is no information detailing the results of weight loss when liraglutide is taken with other weight management drugs (whether they are prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements).

Common side effects may include stomach-related issues like nausea/vomiting and diarrhea, as well as dizziness and fever.

This drug holds a boxed warning (the strongest type of warning). This boxed warning warns of the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. Low blood sugar is also a potential side effect.

This new indication was granted to Novo Nordisk Inc.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.